My other big brother, Chris Gaffney passed away
Thursday morning, April 17, 2008.
I really don't know what to say right now but I feel that I have to say something. First of all, I want to again thank everyone that sent messages to Chris and donated funds to his cause. It means more than you'll know to Chris, his family and me. We are still raising money at www.helpgaff.com to help with the existing medical bills and other various expenses including a forthcoming memorial service.
After twenty-some years I have thousands of memories of Chris. Through those years of songs, laughs, countless barrooms, eternal highways, broken hearts, screw-ups, bail outs, close calls, busted strings, elusive dreams, flat tires, stalled engines, hard hangovers, bad gigs, great gigs, in between gigs, tragedies, triumphs, secret jokes, bad TV, worse food and now, tears, Gaffney always had my back. I never had to worry about nothing or nobody if Gaffney was with me. I don't know what I ever did to deserve it but, God, I was blessed to have Chris Gaffney as my best friend.
Chris's and my friend, B.J. in Omaha, said it best for me in a email yesterday. She said that I now have a "wild angel looking out for me." Yeah, I do believe that's true.
I'll still see you in Cuervo, brother.
Dave
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4 comments:
I was deeply saddened when you wrote about Chris and his medical problems, and sent a few dollars his way. Today (Sat.) I received a postcard from him, which has left me a little speechless. Maybe we all have an extra "wild angel looking out for us." My prayers go out to all his friends and family. Such great music.
Dave,
I was deeply saddened to hear about Chris. I was at work and could hardly keep it together at my desk.
Everyone who knew him will agree that he was an amazing individual, personality, and creative talent. I feel blessed for all of the awesome post show experiences and memories I could share, and have been thinking about these last couple days.
And Dave, I have been thinking a lot about you during this time. I haven't seen you in so long. When I heard the news, you were the first person I wanted to hug. Take care of yourself. My parents send their best to you as well.
Much love always,
Teresa Marie (in Vancouver, BC)
xoxox
Email: exu@bust.com
Dave,
Scott Windle here. I don't know if you remember me by name but I actually met you thru Chris & The Cold Hard Facts, even though I'd seen you play many times with The Blasters and then The Allnighters.
One of my favorite memories of you and Chris is a special Saturday nite gig they had at The Canyon Inn. Evidently Danny already had a another gig, probably with Mike Reilly, so Chris hired you to sub on guitar. The small group of "music fans" there that night, as opposed to the regular Canyon Inn crowd, thought we'd probably get DA feaured on a couple vocals or some other treat. Never happened, and then near the end of the night Gaff just introduced you as "Dave on guitar." I commented to Chris later and he said that he was paying you that nite so you worked for him and he just wanted to keep you humble, or whatever. I thought that was pretty funny. Also, that nite I remember you being kinda surprised as they swung into the "Rebel Rouser" chorus they did in the middle of their version of "Are You Listenin' Lucky." But you were really quick on the uptake and followed along well.
Another good memory is one Saturday nite when The Cold Hard Facts were playing out at Pioneertown. You and your bass player buddy Don (I don't remember his last name) drove all the way out from L.A. just to sit in on a few songs and then drive back. I still have a crappy snapshot of you and Don and Randy Weeks, who was also hanging out there that nite, up on stage with The Cold Hard Facts.
Thanks so much for all you've done for Gaff, in his time of need, and in general.
Scott
Tucson, AZ
Saw you guys several times in Oregon — a couple of those shows were the best rock-and-roll shows I've ever seen, bar noone. The best.
You are lucky to have had such a friend and lucky that you know it.
I lost my sister to pancreatic cancer at age 58 last year. It sucks, but the good memories don't fade.
all the best,
Jim Cornelius, Sisters, Oregon
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